Stroke

Doctors have long known that regular exercise can help lower the risk of stroke, but a new study suggests that people who are physically fit also have better odds of recovery if they do suffer a stroke.

Overview

A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or severely limited, cutting off oxygen and nutrients from brain tissue. Brain cells start dying within minutes after a stroke. Strokes are also called brain attacks, as opposed to heart attacks where blood stops flowing to the heart. There are two major types of stroke: ischaemic and haemhorragic. An ischaemic stroke occurs as a result of an obstruction within a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain, whereas a haemhorragic occurs when a weakened blood vessel ruptures. Mini-strokes, also called Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) are caused by a temporary blood clot and should be taken very seriously as they may lead to a full-blown stroke, if left untreated. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can cut your risk for a stroke significantly: follow a diet low in fat, salt and cholesterol, exercise regularly, lose weight if necessary, stop smoking and have your cholesterol and blood pressure levels checked regularly. Learn to recognise the symptoms of a stroke – early recognition and immediate medical intervention can save a victim’s life.